Pesto

 

The ingredients for pesto are pricey.  I have some substitutes that will save some money and not sacrifice the taste of the pesto.  It remains fresh in the fridge for a little over a week and also freezes well. 

Ingredients:

2 cups TIGHTLY packed basil leaves (money saver: 1 cup basil leaves and 1 cup spinach leaves)

¼ cup toasted pine nuts (money saver: I rarely use pine nuts I use walnuts, you can use any nut or seed you have on hand)

1/3 cup grated parmesan

Zest and juice of one large lemon

Kosher salt to taste

¼ to ½ cup olive oil (this is to taste if you want a thicker pesto less oil)

 Directions:

Place all ingredients in food processor until and pulse until still a bit chunky.  Begin streaming in olive oil until you get the consistency you prefer.